By Agaba Akiram
Geoffrey Oloya, the first recipient of the Shs100,000 meant for the COVID-19 relief for vulnerable Ugandans has been held briefly in Gulu City after he turned up abruptly.
Oloya was the first beneficiary of the fund, he was called by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to confirm if he had received the Shs100,000, and he confirmed.
Oloya had been registered as a Boda Boda rider, yet he works with the office of the Gulu City Mayor and this was an opener to all other situations where politicians, technocrats, and government officials disguised as vulnerable to have the money sent to them instead of the intended beneficiaries.
As it turned out later, Oloya was disowned by the Boda Boda Association in Gulu City as well as Gulu City leaders.
Speaking during a probe last week, the Gulu City Clerk Moses Otimong said they have no person called Oloya in the records and such person is not resident on Gulu City.
Following the developments, Oloya’s number has been off, and attempts to have him brought to book have proved futile.
However, on Tuesday morning, Oloya appeared at Gulu City offices to clarify the situation under which he became beneficiary.
He was held briefly but the intervention from leaders in the area ensured he is released.
At least 11,000 names were raised from Gulu as vulnerable members who required the relief fund, however, besides presenting the wrong people, the number was also inflated.
Email:homelandnewspaper@gmail.com
